At their last home meet on Saturday, February 13, the Hope College men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams will pay tribute to their graduating seniors. Since parents and fans are not allowed at the event to recognize the swimmers’ careers, head coach Jake Taber honors these seniors in his own words below.
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Zack Theis — Hometown: St. Johns, Michigan (Saint Johns HS); Major: Business
“Zack has been a great addition to this year’s team. Not many people begin diving as a senior in college with no prior experience, but Zack has been up for the challenge and has both fully embraced the sport and the team. He’s been a consistent reminder that hard work and commitment are values that earn resect and create opportunity. We wish he would have joined sooner but have been grateful for this season and his decision to be a part of this.”
Mackenzie Ralston — Hometown: Norton Shores, Michigan (Mona Shores HS); Major: Exercise Science
“Mackenzie is one of those key components that is so important for every team and program. She has the confidence, awareness and experience to ask the right questions and help direct in the right way. She is consistent in her approach and in her work and those things have led to very nice drops when it matters the most in the pool. More importantly it’s those qualities that will serve her well in PT school next fall and throughout life.”
Hope Reynolds — Hometown: Exton, Pennsylvania (Villa Maria Academy); Major: Exercise Science
“It’s been a different year without Hope on campus with us day in and day out. (Read “Hope Keeps the Faith”) Hope would always embrace the workout and never back down from a practice. She has drive and loves to work at everything she does. Her intensity and drive are one thing but her sincerity and genuine care for others are one of the things that sets her apart. We are very excited for her and the next chapter at Duke University in the fall.”
*Senior Emma Schaefer will be returning for a fifth year and using the NCAA’s Blanket Waiver to compete next year and will be acknowledged at that time.